Guyuan

Guyuan is a historic Silk Road city in Ningxia. It is home to thousand-year-old grottoes known as the “Dunhuang of Ningxia,” as well as cool forests praised as the “Little Jiuzhaigou of Northwest China.” With average summer temperatures of around 18°C–20°C, it is well suited to a trip focused on escaping the heat and exploring history and culture.

• Xumishan Grottoes: One of China’s ten major grotto sites, with 162 surviving caves, including a 20-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha from the Tang dynasty. The Danxia cliffs and thousand-year-old sculptures create a striking landscape, while the changing light at sunset is ideal for viewing and photography.

• Liupan Mountain National Forest Park: Known as the “Little Jiuzhaigou of Northwest China,” the park has average summer temperatures of around 20°C. A boardwalk follows the stream through Xiaonan River, while Liangdian Gorge is known for its broad meadows and is suitable for hiking. In autumn, the mountain forests display vivid layers of color.

• Huoshizhai National Geopark: The park is home to the highest-altitude Danxia landform group in northern China, where red mountains alternate with green forests. On the way to Yuntai Mountain, you can also cross a glass suspension bridge and look out over the expansive Danxia landscape from above.

• Guyuan Museum: A national first-class museum that offers free admission by reservation. Its collection includes Silk Road artifacts such as a Persian gilt-silver pot and a Northern Wei lacquer coffin painting. The exhibits offer an introduction to Silk Road exchanges and frontier history. The museum is closed on Mondays.

• Liupan Mountain Red Army Long March Tourist Area: The area contains a memorial hall and monument, as well as the 2.5-kilometer “Red Army Trail.” Along the way, you can experience the mountain scenery while learning about revolutionary history.

• Longde Old Lanes: A free-to-enter Ming- and Qing-dynasty village that retains flagstone lanes, an old opera stage, and brick-carved buildings. It is a good place to slow down and explore, taking in the rural customs and everyday atmosphere of the Liupan Mountain region through the details of its streets and alleys.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Guyuan and explore its Silk Road heritage
  • Afternoon: After arriving in Guyuan, visit Guyuan Museum. Consider joining the free 10:30 a.m. guided tour to gain a systematic understanding of the area’s Silk Road history.

• Evening: Have dinner at Nanguan Night Market or on the streets of the city center, sampling Shengcuan noodles, Yanmian Rourou, and Guyuan barbecue in turn to experience the local flavors.

• Day 2: Visit Danxia grottoes and forest landscapes
  • Morning: Drive to the Xumishan Grottoes, following the cliffside boardwalk and visiting Dafolou and Xiangguo Temple to experience the historical atmosphere of the grotto ruins.

• Afternoon: Head to Huoshizhai National Geopark to view its red peaks and stone-forest landforms. If you have enough energy, you can also try the glass suspension bridge in the scenic area.

• Evening: Return to the city for dinner and try hand-held Tan sheep, whose meat is tender and has a relatively mild gamey flavor.

• Day 3: Escape the heat in Liupan Mountain and explore revolutionary history
  • Morning: Visit Liupan Mountain National Forest Park and follow the wooden boardwalk along Xiaonan River. Rest and explore amid the forest scenery while enjoying the cool summer climate.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Liupan Mountain Red Army Long March Tourist Area to learn about its history. Alternatively, you can go to Laolongtan to see its emerald-green pools before heading back.

Local Specialties to Try

• Shengcuan noodles: Lamb meatballs are freshly poached and served with hand-torn noodles. Tomatoes, wood ear mushrooms, and daylily are added to the soup, creating a tangy, spicy, savory flavor and a filling meal.

• Hand-held lamb / lamb chops: Usually simmered in clear water, the meat is tender and not strongly gamey. It is typically served with pepper salt or garlic vinegar and is a common main dish in the area.

• Yan­mian Rou­rou: Oat noodles are steamed, cut into strips, and mixed with a tangy, spicy sauce, chives, and minced garlic. They have a springy, smooth texture and can help balance the richness of meat dishes.

• Jingyuan steamed chicken: Free-range chicken is marinated and steamed over diced potatoes and flatbread. The chicken juices seep into the flatbread, creating a rich, savory flavor.

• Longde hot pot: Cooked over charcoal in a copper pot, with pork belly, ribs, radish, and glass noodles arranged in layers. It is simmered for a long time before serving and is especially suitable for autumn and winter.

• Yangyucaca: Shredded potatoes are coated in flour and steamed before being stir-fried. The result is fragrant and pleasantly chewy, making this a common local potato dish in Guyuan.

Transportation and Accommodation Tips

• Transportation: Guyuan currently has no high-speed rail service. You can fly to Guyuan Liupanshan Airport, or drive from places such as Xi’an and Yinchuan. The drive takes about 4 hours from Yinchuan and about 5 hours from Xi’an. Because the attractions are spread out, public transportation is not very convenient, so renting a car or hiring a private vehicle is more practical. A private vehicle costs around CNY 400 per day.
• Accommodation: Consider staying in Guyuan city, such as near Guyuan Museum, where there are more hotels and good value for money. If you plan to explore deeper into Liupan Mountain, you can also stay at a resort hotel in Jingyuan County or a guesthouse near the scenic area.

Travel Notes

• Temperature differences and clothing: Guyuan sits at an altitude of around 1,700 meters, so the temperature difference between day and night is significant. Even in summer, bring a light jacket and dress in layers that are easy to add or remove.
• Sun protection and hydration: The local climate is dry and ultraviolet radiation is strong. Bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen, and drink water regularly.
• Ticket reservations: Museums such as Guyuan Museum offer free admission by reservation with an identity card. Check the official WeChat account in advance for information. It is also recommended to purchase tickets for the Xumishan Grottoes and forest parks ahead of time.
• Managing your energy: Both the Xumishan Grottoes and Huoshizhai have many steps. If your fitness level is average, avoid scheduling them on the same day. You can also take a sightseeing vehicle to reduce the amount of walking.
• Meals: There are many beef and lamb dishes in the area. Control portion sizes according to your needs, and balance the flavors with tea or vegetables.